Destinations
Taking A Big Hit
In a new report, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that the crash in international tourism due to the coronavirus pandemic could cause a loss of more than $4 trillion to the global GDP for the years 2020 and 2021. And it notes that the estimated loss has been caused by the pandemic’s direct impact on tourism and its ripple effect on other sectors closely linked to it. Jointly presented with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the report says that international tourism and its closely linked sectors suffered an estimated loss of $2.4...
Take To The Road With CanaDream
For Canadians looking to hit the road this summer, CanaDream RV is offering them an option to get away from it all. Kathryn Munro, VP Sales & Marketing, CanaDream, said that: “As restrictions ease from coast to coast, CanaDream is ready to help Canadians get back to touring their stunning country and discovering hidden gems in their own backyard. Whether you’re an expert or brand new to RV travel, our team is here to ensure you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way.” The company is also making sure that guests can experience adventure travel without compromising...
TourRadar Launches Suite Of Sustainability Tools
TourRadar has launched a new suite of tools and initiatives to encourage sustainable travel as the company looks to build back better after the pandemic. It kicked off the launch by joining the Future of Tourism Coalition, a non-profit initiative that aims to place destination needs at the centre of tourism’s new future. And its new initiatives to support responsible travel include: Carbon Offsets: in partnership with CHOOOSE, TourRadar customers can now calculate the amount of carbon created from the air travel, accommodation, and ground transportation of their tour, and then...
Porter Set To Take Off On Sept. 8
Close to 18 months after suspending its flights due to the COVID-19 public health and travel restrictions, Porter Airlines resume its flights on Sept. 8. The carrier indicated that its flight schedule will return in phases, with the initial group of Canadian destinations being Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, St. John’s, NL, Thunder Bay and Toronto. U.S. destinations in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington follow on Sept. 17. Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines, observed: “This is the moment our team members, passengers and the communities...
Direct Toronto Flights Resume From Nanaimo Airport
Direct flights to Toronto are scheduled to resume on a limited basis in July at the Nanaimo Airport. The Air Canada flights are part of a measured reopening of the economy and will boost Vancouver Island’s vital tourism and hospitality sectors and make it easier for Islanders to visit and host family and friends from Eastern Canada via the Toronto Pearson International Airport. Dave Devana, president and CEO of Nanaimo Airport Commission, said: “Air Canada is a valued partner that supported Nanaimo Airport during the pandemic and continues to support us during reopening. We...
Vaccinations Restoring Confidence In US Travel
A rapidly progressing program aimed at vaccinating Americans against coronavirus is welcome news to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is understandably eager to see the travel industry rebound from the devastating effects of the pandemic. Julie Heizer, deputy-director of the department's National Travel and Tourism Office, told a June 30 Brand USA webinar more than 179 million Americans have now received one vaccination dose and 57% of the population is now fully vaccinated, with vaccinations seen as key to restoring confidence in travel. Heizer reported that the number of...
It’s Time To Explore Canada
Jon Montgomery has been exploring Canada since the tender age of two months old when his family headed out on the open road from Russell, Manitoba to B.C. with an RV trailer attached to their van in the summer of 1979. “My interest in RVing was developed from the real formative age of two months old and I’ve been doing it ever since with my family and now with the family that my wife and I have created together,” Montgomery, the host of The Amazing Race Canada who now calls Victoria home, tells Travel Courier. “We very much enjoy getting out here on Vancouver Island as well as...
AmEx GBT Tech Solutions Drive Confidence
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has unveiled new features in its proprietary reporting and online booking solutions to help companies get back on the road. The enhancements will use information from post-trip traveller surveys, Travel Vitals, and GBT’s own set of travel data to help increase confidence in travel. Mark McSpadden, VP of Product Strategy at GBT observed: “Business trips are less predictable than before the pandemic. To best adapt their programs, travel managers are looking for new ways to get real insights into the traveler experience and deliver...